in the classroom, I encountered withdrawal and so
returned as a volunteer, guest presenter, and college
supervisor. There are few thrills greater in life than
working with excited teachers and engaged students.
I have discovered that good teachers want to get better;
great teachers wish to advance strategies and skills;
fantastic teachers want to know and be and do terrific
things every day in every way to reach and teach every
child. Regardless of the above mentioned category, these
teachers want to improve so that their lessons engage
students and bring them academic success. Yes, there are
a few educators who prefer the status quo, drifting along
with the current while trying to avoid stress, strain, or
cultivating talents. Fortunately, I know little of these
folks as I am not invited into their private realms nor
do I necessarily want to go.
Inspired teachers light up the room with motivation and
creativity. Students here are willing to experiment new
ways of thinking and doing, dedicate their hearts and
minds to growth, and eagerly develop skills through
energetic effort and determination. They listen, attempt,
revamp, and retool until best effort rewards them with
achievement. These kids smile, furrow brows in
concentration, love a challenge, and do not mind that I
pop in with questions and ideas as I converse with each
of them on a variety of topics. And so it was that I
found myself mixed in yesterday with a crowd of 5th
graders.
There to observe their student teacher as she guided them
into a lesson on writing and editing, I watched
attentively as they prepared for guest speakers. There
were questions to present, essays to share, and
anticipation about learning. They knew what they already
knew about writing and they were enthusiastic to learn
more. When the two editors of the local high school
newspaper arrived, students were jazzed with plans for
interactive engagement and collaboration. And they were
not disappointed. The editors shared tips and thoughts on
the creative process, cutting loose with writing flow,
researching and verifying information from reliable
sources, editing and revising, and constantly seeking
ways to improve as a writer and an editor as well as
refining the look, feel, and quality of their product.
They also brought copies of their paper for each student
so that after the presentation kids could peruse and ask
further questions to clarify understanding of the product
and presentation.
Students also bravely read aloud their personal work for
a quick critique by the guests. Tips included improving
headlines, paying close attention to the who, what, when,
where, why, and how aspects of each piece, and constantly
striving to create with verve and vivacity. Each student
took feedback with grace as they really wanted these few
words of wisdom to help them hone personal talents.
This presentation could have happened in any classroom in
just about any school, but what made it extra special was
the advanced planning and organization by the regular
classroom teacher and her student teacher. As a team they
had made certain the students were prepared with
excellent questions and quality effort to share. Kids
knew about being focused and intent on learning and they
readily grabbed new ideas and put them into practice.
These behaviors reflect the routines and procedures that
have been established and then used to ensure that every
day in this classroom is productive and free from
behavioral interruptions and other types of disturbances.
These routines and procedures allow every student to
succeed in a safe learning environment.
So if you are really thinking about becoming a teacher -
and we need great ones desperately - here are some
feedback tips for you. Visit several classrooms, always
entering with an open mind free from the clouds of
expectations you already possess so that the uniqueness
of the environment in each room can seep in. Listen for
joy; watch for enthusiasm; eyeball for organization.
Observe teaching techniques, student actions and
reactions, movement of the teacher and the students
around the classroom. Check walls and boards for goals
and objectives and then determine if they match the
lesson of the moment.
Read Word Walls and other vocabulary displays and decide
if they are richly essential. Analyze questions as to
quality and rigor. Yes or No responses are quick and easy
but really reveals\ little understanding or the ability
to apply knowledge. Ask questions of students and
teachers, always making sure that you are not
interrupting but rather enhancing learning.
If you exit with zeal and a sense of passion, teaching
might be a perfect fit for you. And while you should feel
in awe and a bit overwhelmed, if you feel angry or have
need to gnash your teeth, know that one of three things
may have happened. One, wrong class, subject, or grade
level; two, wrong day, with fire drills, assemblies, and
substitute teachers; three, wrong profession.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gini_Cunningham/146831
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9353655
No comments:
Post a Comment